The Federal Government has tightened enforcement measures in Almajiri learning centres nationwide, warning that non-compliance with newly established operational standards will attract sanctions, including closure.
Details of the measures are contained in the National Policy on the Enhancement of Almajiri Education in Nigeria, released by the Federal Ministry of Education last month and obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.
The policy covers operations and management of all Almajiri learning centres, males and females, across the country.
The framework, to be implemented by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, introduces stricter regulation of the system, long criticised for neglect and abuse.
Under the new rules, all Almajiri centres are required to register with relevant state or local authorities and maintain comprehensive records of learners, including biometric data, to enhance monitoring and accountability.
Operators must also submit periodic reports and allow routine inspections by government agencies.
“Any learning centre that fails to comply with the provisions of this policy shall be given a probation period of three to six months; thereafter, appropriate action shall be taken, such as sanction from operation,” the policy report stated.
It explicitly bans the practice of sending learners to beg on the streets, a long-standing feature of the system.
“Any registered learning centre that sends learners out to beg shall face appropriate action, such as a sanction from the operation,” it added.
In addition, the government has set minimum welfare and health standards.
Learners and facilitators are now required to undergo periodic medical checks at recognised public health facilities, while centres must be linked to nearby healthcare providers and equipped with basic first aid kits.
“New entrants shall have the following basic needs as conditions for enrolment: a minimum of three items of clothing; two pairs of footwear; an eating plate and cutlery; writing materials as applicable or appropriate,” the policy outlined.
Clear age limits have also been introduced, restricting enrolment in day centres to children aged four to 18, while boarding facilities are limited to those between 12 and 18 years.